A new priority at Leeds United this summer is the need to replace Pascal Struijk. Plenty of left-sided centre-backs have been linked with the Whites, but Jonathan Woodgate’s pick would be obvious.
Leeds’ decision to cash in on Struijk was the right one. With Struijk’s Leeds deal ending next summer, the Whites had to make a decision – rake in a fee for Struijk now, or let him go on a free transfer in a year.
£20m for Struijk: The best of a bad situation?
After eight years, Struijk is leaving Leeds.
It was probably the right decision to sell him this summer, with Struijk’s transfer fee deemed pure profit for Financial Fair Play. But it does leave a gaping hole in Leeds’ side ahead of the 2026-27 campaign.
If Leeds do plan on using a three-man defence, then a centre-back or two will have to be signed, with Sebastiaan Bornauw a target for Koln. One option being linked with Leeds is Juventus star Lloyd Kelly.
What Jonathan Woodgate has said about Leeds target Lloyd Kelly
Woodgate has made the rival move to be a part of Michael Carrick’s coaching staff at Manchester United. Before he was an assistant, Woodgate had a spell as a manager, including a short spell at Bournemouth.
During that time, he had Kelly at his disposal. The former Newcastle man was a £13m signing from Bristol City at the time, and speaking to the Bournemouth Echo back in 2021, Woodgate raved about Kelly.
“I don’t see him being at Bournemouth long if he keeps on playing like this. He was brilliant. He’s got some strings to his bow now. He can play very well at centre-half, and he can play very well at left-back.
“He’s a really good player. He just looks like a bit of a Rolls-Royce, doesn’t he? He looked very, very good (against Bristol City). I was impressed, to be honest with you,” Woodgate continued, praising Kelly.
“Especially when (Antoine) Semenyo tried to run him down the line, and Semenyo gave him two yards, and Lloydy overtook him. It’s eye-catching when things like that happen, especially as a fellow defender.
“It’s all about consistency, that’s the key. It’s being there week in, week out, and when the coaches and I tell him to do things, you learn from it. It’s no good making one mistake and making it again next week.
“Lloydy’s got big attributes to go higher. He’s an England under-21 international. But consistency is key. He needs to keep improving week in, week out. He’s doing fantastic, and I’m pleased with him.”
What is the situation as Leeds pursue Kelly this summer?
Kelly made the surprise move from Newcastle to Juventus in the 2025 winter window, initially joining The Old Lady on loan before turning that spell permanent in the summer. He played at the Club World Cup.
FAREWELL PASC: I’m not crying, you are 🥲
Pascal Struijk's emotional message to Leeds fans after completing a move to Brighton.
Last season, Kelly was a key part of Juve’s side, playing on the left of a back three. Currently, Juventus are under no pressure to sell, but after missing out on the Champions League, they may need a cash boost.
Juventus are said to value Kelly in the region of £26m, which would make him Leeds’ third-biggest arrival in the club’s history. Newcastle are also interested in bringing him back, while Forest are interested.
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